Ideen zur Philosophie der Geschichte der Menschheit

Ideen zur Philosophie der Geschichte der Menschheit, a historical work by J. G. Herder, published in 4 vols., 1784-91. It is divided into four parts (Teile), each of which is subdivided into five books (Bücher). It is a survey of history in the most extended sense, beginning with cosmology (Bk. 1), passing on to geology and geography, considering biology, including human biology, and asserting that man is still at an early stage of evolution (Bks. 2-5). In Bks. 6-10 Herder considers the social organization of various regions, deals with environmental factors, considers language, and examines the mythology of the Creation and early man. Bks. 11-15 are a survey of ancient history. And the last five books treat the history of the western peoples and the rise of Christianity.

Herder sees history as organic, i.e. developing and declining on the analogy of a living creature, but he also emphasizes, in distinction from his early views, human moral progress. Herder's comprehensive view of history was one of the most original features of this work.